The epic snowstorm of Buffalo and surrounding southern areas is still fresh in everyone's mind, especially those in the tri-state area. Here in Erie we simply had our normal 2-3 feet of snow, depending upon where you are in the county. The term 'lake effect' means EXACTLY that - it was the perfect storm right along the shoreline of Lake Erie. Moisture was collected from the lake as the system moved across it, then unceremoniously dumped on the immediate land. Unfortunately for some towns, the system didn't move. It simply sat there for over one day, like a ski resort snow machine that someone forgot to turn off. Truly fantastic; an event that will be told and retold for generations.
We are currently snow-free from our 67 degree day on Monday, which led me back to our Pumpkin Walk back in early October. We are still technically in the fall season, and the Master Gardener event held here at Headwaters Park should be recounted to revel in the success of the evening and look forward to the possibilities that might appear in 2015!
The Master Gardeners spend months, MONTHS, organizing this event for the one evening in October. Always the first Saturday, so mark your calendars now. When I say months, I really mean they have already begun planning for 2015. Organizing the carvers, donations of pumpkins, drop-off and pickups of jack-o-lanterns, educational displays, 4-H food vendors, local fire stations for education regarding Fire Safety month, volunteers, volunteers, and more volunteers.
It is a wonder and a sight to see.
All businesses that sponsor the event receive a pumpkin carved with their logo. All proceed are utilized for the event and future educational outreach of the Gardeners. The carvers had a perfect day to spend outside with the pumpkins.
Over 700 jack-o-lanterns were placed in the Park along a 1/2 mile of trail. Starting at 5pm, families began their hike, commenting on the cleverness of faces, or pointing out details and colors. Some pumpkins were carved with art in mind, some with traditional faces, but all greatly enjoyed by the over 3,000 visitors.
However, one more surprise was added at the finale of the hike.
Students from several Central Tech High School classes pooled their electronic, engineering, and media skills to create a musical light display with artfully placed jack-o-lanterns. Check out the looping performance here.
The hike itself took 45 minutes (or longer, if you lingered). Visitors were then treated to a variety of educational displays, games for kids, and drawings for door prizes. Mountaintop 4-H graciously offered a snack tent, with proceeds benefiting the 4-H program. The firefighters and EMS volunteers were happy to talk with visitors about Fire Safety month and their local programs.
Pumpkin D'Light night was a great success for the 3rd consecutive year and we are anticipating another wonderful display in 2015!
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